Oakland – Raymond "Ray" Richard Cote, 78, passed away unexpectedly on October 10th, 2024. At his home. Ray was born in Waterville on June 20th, 1946, to Roland and Glendina Cote. He attended Mount View High School in Thorndike, graduating class of 1965. Ray then enlisted in the United States Army in Bangor on August 10th, 1965, trained in Fort Knox, Kentucky, then transferred to St. Louis, Missouri until being sent to Anchorage, Alaska to finish out his term. Ray received an honorable discharge in 1968, along with a sharpshooter badge in rifle, National defense Service medal, and a letter of commendation. Ray worked many jobs throughout his life including Lipman Poultry Plant and Cascade Woolen Mill. He later became disabled due to a work-related injury and found a way to occupy his time by mowing lawns, blueberry and apple picking, painting, car salesman, and farm work. Ray loved fishing, wrestling (Monday Night RAW and Friday Night Smackdown), scratching his lottery tickets, and watching his old western movies. Ray had a love for the outdoors and spent most of his time there. He was always humming and singing to his old country music. He met the love of his life Shirley in 1975 while working at Lipman's whom he shared thirty-seven loving years with and raised two children, Tina Hillman, and David Quirion. After Ray raised his children, he then raised his grandchildren Beverly, Justin, and Jamie. Then years later he spent his golden years assisting in raising his great-grandchildren Mariah, Tasha, Natty, and Kay-Kay. Ray was known around town as "Grampy" to all that knew him. He would give his last dime to anyone in need and would always put everyone else above himself. Ray's family meant the world to him, and he always showed his love for them every day. Ray's great-grandchildren meant the world to him, and he always went above and beyond for them. He was predeceased by his parents Roland and Glendina Cote, brother James and Robert Cote, wife Shirley Cote, and son-in-law Jefferey Steeves. Ray is survived by his brother Roland Cote Jr ; sister Mary Cote; children Tina Steeves, David Quirion, Sr., Raymond Cote, Jr., Tricia Buckmore, Johnathan Cote, and Lisa Pullin; grandchildren Beverly McDaniel, Justin Hillman, Jamie Millett, David Jr., and Michael Quirion; great-grandchildren Mariah, Tasha, Natalie, and Makayla McDaniel. Ray also had twelve other grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren whom he loved dearly. He spent the last six months with family by his side giving him the best care possible. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all that know him. His family would like to thank Northern Light Home Care and Hospice, especially Erika and Sheri for their remarkable compassion and dedication to us in such a devastating and unexpected time. There will be a Celebration of Life to be held on June 20th, 2025, at 5:00pm, at his home – 40 Sawtelle Rd. in Oakland